Bernadette Suski-Harding
Stephanie Pearl McPhee, a humorist addicted to knitting, once wrote that if it came down to it, she’d find a way to knit with twigs and blades of grass. I so get that.
I knit, crochet and generally play around with anything I can get my hands on, and the more unusual the fiber, the better. When I design, I’m surrounded by my materials -- recycled saris from India, torn into colorful ribbon or spun into yarn; hand-painted silk ribbon from a spinner in Pennsylvania; and artisan-dyed fleece from a farm in Massachusetts.
As they scatter across my work table and onto the floor, I find inspiration in their colors and textures, by the landscapes they call to mind, by the artistry and industry of the women who created these raw materials.
Studies in contrast fascinate me: Ragged-edged ribbon against delicate crocheted gold wire, creamy-toned pearls, semi-precious gemstones and Japanese seed beads. Polymer clay carefully imprinted with antique lace, and transformed into lightweight pendants and earrings accented with gold-filled wire and gemstones. Czech glass beads that capture the light just so, arranged into hand-linked necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Wet-felted wool that calls to mind paintings by Van Gogh and Renoir, crafted into pendants that add a welcome pop of color.
My goal is to create handcrafted indulgences that are classic and timeless, with a playful twist; pieces that are lightweight and comfortable to wear, yet eye catching and statement making; and pieces that are equally at home with all kinds of attire, from jeans to formal wear.
I have always enjoyed crafting when not working as a freelance writer, and especially love knitting. I created Penelope Plum Designs when chasing around a dimple-cheeked toddler named Penelope ate up all of my precious sweater-knitting time, and I’m so glad that I did. Starting with wire, beads and a crochet hook, I found a way to satisfy my creative fix, and haven’t stopped since.
